How I Prepare For the Gardening Season
Gardening season will be here before we know it, and I am sharing my tips on how I prepare for the gardening season. Since this is our first spring living in our new home, we have some exciting garden plans in the works (watch my latest YouTube video about our townhouse garden plans).
But regardless if you are building a new space, or maintaining a garden you have had for years, there are always a few key steps in preparing for the gardening season that every gardener should consider annually. Following these steps will ensure that you are set up for success in growing your garden from spring through fall!
This post contains affiliate links for West Coast Seeds. I am a brand ambassador and if you use my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no extra cost to you! This will support me on my gardening journey and will help me bring more garden content to you!
Building a Strong Foundation
Building a strong foundation is key in how I prepare for the gardening season. This step brings it back to the basics of gardening: proper garden infrastructure, soil health, and tidying up your garden space. You would not be able to have a fabulous garden without these basic needs.
Garden Infrastructure
Having the space and infrastructure for gardening is key in preparing for the gardening season. Since I garden in both raised garden beds and containers, I inspect the structures and containers each year. If a part of my raised garden bed is loose or coming apart, I will add new screws to hold the structure in place. If one of my containers is cracked, I will either fix it or recycle it and replace it with a new one. Having a solid foundation– whether it is raised garden beds or containers– is key to achieving success for the whole gardening season.
Soil Health
Healthy soil forms the foundation of a healthy and thriving garden. To prepare for the gardening season, clear away any debris or weeds from the garden beds. Then, amend the soil with compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizer to improve its structure and fertility. If you want to go the extra mile to understand your garden, consider performing a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, and amend accordingly.
Prune and Clean Up
Early spring is the perfect time to prune trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Remove dead or diseased branches, and shape plants to promote airflow and sunlight penetration. Clean up any lingering debris from the previous season to prevent pest and disease issues. You will love how much this basic task can really transform your garden!
Planning
Once your garden has the proper infrastructure, your soil is amended, and the garden is cleaned up, you are ready to start planning. Decide on your garden layout, the seeds you will like to start, and get to the fun stuff!
Garden Layout & Companion Planting
I like to sketch out my garden beds and containers and label where each variety of plant is going to go. I always ensure that I follow correct spacing requirements for each plant to promote plant heath, and to achieve a good yield from each plant. Also, consider companion planting to improve soil quality, naturally deter pests, and promote more success from each plant.
West Coast Seeds has an incredible Companion Planting Guide that I use every year when planning my garden layout. You can access it for free online (affiliate link).
Start Seeds Indoors
Once your garden is planned out and you know all the varieties and quantities of plants you want to grow, it is time to start your seeds. For many gardeners, starting seeds indoors is a fun (and cost-effective!) way to get a head start on the growing season. I always make sure to purchase high quality seeds and learn about their unique planting requirements for depth, watering, and lighting. Check out the seeds that I am growing this year on this blog post.
Invest in Tools and Supplies
Having the right tools and supplies is key to preparing for the gardening season. I have a vast collection of garden tools including shovels, rakes, trowels, watering cans, heavy-duty hoses, and more. I have acquired these over the years and have purchased high-quality products that have stood the test of time in my garden.
For seed starting, I like several seed starting products from West Coast Seeds. This includes the 72 Plug Cell Inserts, the Seedling Germination Trays, the 4″ Seedling Dome, and the Sunblaster LED Grow Lights.These materials are a one-time investment as they can be used over and over again in each year if cared for.
Staying Organized and Having Fun
Preparing for the gardening season involves staying organized all season long, but also having fun in doing so. If you prepared and are organized, you are less likely to become overwhelmed, which makes gardening sometimes a but stressful and not enjoyable!
Stay Organized and Being Consistent
Maintaining a gardening journal can help you stay organized and track your progress throughout the season. I like to record this on my phone, noting the planting dates, varieties, and any observations that I see throughout the year. These annual notes help me refine how I grow each variety of plant, and improves it each year.
Consistency is also key when gardening to achieve success. I always establish a regular watering, fertilizing, and maintenance schedule to keep plants healthy and thriving.
Enjoy the Process!
Above all, remember to enjoy the gardening process and embrace the joy of watching your garden flourish. Take time to appreciate the beauty of your garden and the satisfaction of growing your own food and flowers!
I hope this blog post was informative and helps you out when planning your garden. Are there any other tips you follow when preparing for the gardening season? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy gardening!
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An article connects with my experiences. It gives tips for facing challenges and gardening. It inspires me and teaches me how to be strong and graceful in gardening and life.